As medical professionals begin to study the different ways that gender, sex and gender identity affect the health of human beings, many scientists are now realizing that gender plays a role in the way that bodies deal with and heal from spinal injury.

Gerontologists are continuing to expand on research that demonstrates how male and female patients age differently from one another. Of specific intrigue, are bone and spinal conditions, among them osteoporosis, disc degeneration, stenosis, and more. Because of the differing chemical and physiological makeup of people of different genders and gender expression, spinal afflictions tend to heal in dissimilar ways in different patients.

If a patient is experiencing spinal pain and is wondering how their gender will affect their healing process, they should consult with a qualified spinal health specialist. Working with a chiropractor versed in Ideal Spine’s Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) technique is a great way for patients to understand the intersection of spinal health and their genetic makeup.

Gender bias in medical research

Because most early medical research was conducted exclusively on heterosexual men who identified with their assigned gender of birth, there exists a dearth of accessible research that is relevant for women, transgender people, and other members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

For instance, aspirin is known to reduce the risk of heart attacks in male patients, and was thought to have a similar effect for everyone. Unfortunately, daily aspirin consumption does not reduce the risk of heart attacks for female patients, and is even thought to elevate their risk of suffering from a stroke. Parallels like this exist in spinal research as well, and are only now beginning to be observed.

Because men, women, and transgender patients react to medical treatment differently from one another, it is exceedingly important to maintain a diverse research population and to seek gender-specific health whenever possible. Equally as important is the tailored approach of CBP on individual patients and their spines. Working with a chiropractor who understands the need for individual assessment, monitoring, and correction is paramount for a successful treatment for any patient.

The differing effects of spinal injuries across gender

How a person’s body responds to and overcomes spinal injury can be greatly dependent on their gender. Understanding gender as a variable in the overall scheme of spinal wellness enables chiropractors to take the right approach to adjustment and rehabilitation:

Female: Female patients suffering from traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) generally experience the symptoms of their injury in markedly different ways from male patients. For instance, elderly female patients have higher rates of chronic pain resulting from SCIs than male patients, and are more likely to suffer from depression as a result of their SCI.

Male: Young male patients are more likely than any other group to suffer from an SCI. Some SCIs may also result in infertility in male patients, and it is extremely important that general practice doctors are aware of any SCIs a male patient has suffered prior to treating them for a range of conditions.

Transgender: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a procedure that many transgender individuals use to help them express their gender identity. HRT treatment may affect bone health, and could result in a healing process that is different than that experienced by someone who’s gender identity matches that which they were assigned at birth.

Ideal Spine’s CPB technique allows chiropractic professionals to provide high-quality spinal care that is informed by extensive research into the correlation between genetic makeup and spine and bone health. Seeking out a practitioner with knowledge obtained from Ideal Spine’s CPB program is advisable for any patient looking for gender-informed care.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.

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